Ruthless Goodwin gets serious about next season with Bench policy for stalemate
Hibernian Aberdeen 1 1
ABERDEEN manager Jim Goodwin gave the clearest indication on which players are in his plans after revealing that the 11 who started in the draw with Hibernian are those who will likely be at Pittodrie next season.
He also disclosed that six of the nine players he named on the bench have been told they have no future at the club.
Aberdeen confirmed their place in the Premiership next term with the point gleaned from Easter Road in a game that saw David Bates’ opener for the visitors being cancelled out by Paul McGinn.
A candid Goodwin admitted afterwards that he is accelerating his plans for next season.
He said: “I picked the starting 11 who are all under contract for next season.
“Of the nine subs, six have already been told they’re not getting an offer or are surplus to requirements.
“With that there is always a bit of tension and frustration within the group.
“But I try to be honest with people and tell them how it is and try to give them time to get sorted.
“So we went with a starting 11 that had something to play for.
“I said to them before the game they’re playing for their jerseys next year.
“I said: ‘Go and show me you want to be here and be a part of it’
“If we need to move others on then that’s what we’ll do. But I felt we got a good reaction and response from the starting 11.
“The second half was very stop-start but yeah, the team that started did really well.”
These teams finished third and fourth in the Premiership last year but started this game with hopes of claiming seventh place.
Hibs started well as they looked to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Livingston, a game in which they failed to register a single attempt on target.
They at least managed that within the first five minutes against the Dons. Joe Lewis was penalised for picking up a pass back after Declan Gallagher rolled the ball to him.
But the Dons defender threw his body in the way of Ryan Porteous’ shot to a corner.
From the resulting set play, Joe Newell picked up a good position inside the area but his effort was also blocked.
Aberdeen created their best chance of the half in the 22nd minute in a move that involved Connor Barron and Jonny Hayes but Lewis Ferguson’s goal-bound volley from 12 yards was blocked by Paul Hanlon.
Both goalkeepers were called into action before the half was over. Lewis got down to his right to get a fingertip touch on to Hibs striker Ellias Melkersen’s low drive before Matt Macey pushed Hayes’ free-kick behind at his near post.
There was plenty of action at the start of the second period. Hibs playmaker Newell had a shot blocked by Gallagher before Aberdeen claimed for a penalty after Harry Clarke caught Ferguson with a high boot. Referee John Beaton deemed that the challenge took place just outside the area.
However, Aberdeen went ahead in the 55th minute. Hayes’ cross was knocked down by Gallagher and Bates lashed the ball in from close range.
Hibs should have levelled when sub Funso Ojo inadvertently set-up Newell for a tap in but Lewis pulled off a stunning point-blank save.
But McGinn was not to be denied from a similar distance in the 83rd minute when he fired James Scott’s knock down into the net at the front post.
Hibs caretaker boss David Gray heaped praise on Hanlon after the captain racked up his 500th appearances for the club – despite needing a knee operation.
Gray said: “You look at Paul Hanlon playing at the moment, it shows you the strength of character of him and what he’s willing to do, putting his body on the line when he’s struggling and needs an operation.
“As far as I’m aware it’s a tidy up and it’s not too bad.”
Hanlon said: “It’s great to make the milestone. I knew it was approaching but I’ve had a few niggling knocks and missed a few games this season and thought I might not make it.
“To reach this milestone at Hibs is something I’m really proud of.
“It was a dream for me to place once for this club – to do it 500 times is great.”